Requirements for NJHS at Houston Middle School:
93.5% overall grade point average
as of the first, second, and third nine week grading periods
20 hours of community service

What is National Junior Honor Society?

Established in 1929, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS (High School) and NJHS (Middle School). NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

(Taken from www.nhs.us. Accessed 12/10/11)

Who is eligible for NJHS?

At Houston Middle School, in accordance with national standards set by NJHS, students will first qualify for an invitation through their demonstration of success in the area of scholarship. That means, students in 6th going into 7th grade or 7th grade going into 8th grade with a 93.5% overall average from the first, second, and third nine week grading periods.

What does an exemplary NJHS candidate look like?

Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade average of 93.5%, as established by the local school's Faculty Council, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character (and citizenship for NJHS).

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.

If I'm a 6th grader, what can I do to become a better candidate for NJHS in 7th and 8th grade?

One of the best things you can do as a 6th grader is to have really strong grades. You should work hard every day in school because as a 7th grade inductee, you will qualify in the area of scholarship based on your grades in 6th grade!

What do you do in NJHS?

The goal of NJHS is to build leaders and do service. Other than that, the activities are up to the NJHS members. In the past, we have assisted in the Food Distribution program in Hobbs, collected food items and water for Isaiah's Kitchen, wrapped Christmas Gifts for PDAP, Habitat for Humanity, took on the role of Custodians on Custodian Appreciation Day, and etc. The possibilities for service are endless and we are looking forward to making a plan for the 2016-2017 school year.